Quick Facts
E 19°50'08''
Budget Getaways Review
Looking for that quintessential 'quaint country cottage' that ticks most boxes?
Say hello to River Cottage - a typical white-washed Cape cottage of old with all the cosy ingredients: thatch roof, roughly plastered walls (no evidence of a Swiss masterbuilder here), big sash windows, and an inviting voorstoep where you can postpone your to-do list to the day after tomorrow.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, the general setting will be the Ouma rusk to round it off.
Set on a working grape and olive farm a mere 2km from McGregor, River Cottage is circled by open farmland, with a large tree shading the front stoep. Which means you get the best of two worlds - the gentle comings and goings of farmlife combined with an easy amble to the village for coffee and general poke about.
Taking a peek inside, River Cottage has been deftly decorated by host Lynette. The period furniture, exposed beams, reed ceilings, chunky terracotta floor tiles, all stack up to an appealing country ambiance.
There are two bedrooms (double and twin), a shared bathroom with shower and freestanding bath, and an equipped farm-style kitchen.
The living and kitchen area are open-plan, with comfy wingback chairs fronting the open fireplace - with Barbara Cartland in one hand and cheap plonk in the other, this is where you will find our boss come the dark Breede River winter.
Stepping off the edge of the stoep the farm is yours to explore. Pack a picnic of bread and cheese and head off into the olive groves and vineyards and live the Provencal dream - way cheaper than a trip to France.
The guest feedback for River Cottage so far looks good… “A very, very special place, relaxing, private and lovely to be able to walk to the village,” gushes a frazzled city dweller desperate for some peace and quiet.
With that best-of-both-worlds combo, plenty of comfy charm, and within striking distance of Cape Town, we might even try get it together and book this one for ourselves.
Oh, in case you're wondering… Yes, there is a semblance of river nearby, but it doesn't offer anything in the way of swimming or fishing.
"Excellent cottage, comfortable and well equipped. Great hosts. Will definitely be back."
(visited February 2015)
"Great welcome to beautifully authentic farm cottage! Restful weekend in peaceful sleepy village and farm, watched over by two eagle owls. Really wonderful weekend getaway. We will be back."
(visited August 2014)
"Lynette was very hospitable, setting is lovely and cottage is ideal for a getaway. It very private and out of town, but still walking distance to town. The braai facilities were excellent, complimentary wine and sample of olive oil were a lovely touch. We had a wonderful time here!"
(visited March 2014)
"Our first stay in Mcgregor and the River Cottage did it justice. A tranquil peaceful town and the accommodation was way better than we expected. We had a great family weekend away, we'll definitely be back."
(visited August 2013)
"We really enjoyed our stay here. The cottage is beautifully equipped right down to the smallest details. And the fireplace fantastic for the winter evenings. The hosts were very welcoming, with dinning table even set for a late Friday arrival, while also leaving us to get on with the weekend. Lynette also provided some good wine route and dinner venue tips."
(visited July 2013)
"This is truly a gem! The facilities are well-kept and has become a home away from home for us. The hosts are amazing people and welcome you as if into their own home. It makes for a great summer or winter destination and it remains a favourite."
(visited October 2012)
"Very, very special little place. Lovely to be able to walk to the town and browse around. Pottery, retreat, coffee shops, lots to see and enjoy. A must for nature loving people. Lovely relaxing, quiet and private place and only about two hours from Cape Town. Nearby small towns Robertson, Bonnievale, etc. Visiting wine farms was a highlight. Friendly, warm, and helpful owners."
(visited October 2012)
"River Cottage is beautifully situated among the olive trees and vineyards, quite far away from the owners home so is very private. It is well equipped with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The decor has been carefully selected but the cottage is not over-furnished or over-decorated. It's very appropriate for a farm cottage. Comfortable beds, good pillows, nice linen and towels, etc. Lovely hosts who will do everything to make your stay memorable. The farm is within walking distance of the village of McGregor where there some interesting places to visit."
(visited August 2012)
"Lovely quiet setting and very near to town and wacky wine festival activities."
(visited June 2012)
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Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland